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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for TV News Assistant

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

MediaBroadcastingJournalismEntry-LevelProduction

🎯 Role Definition

Welcome to the heart of the action! As a TV News Assistant, you are the essential backbone of our news production team. This is more than just a job; it's the ultimate launching pad for a career in broadcast journalism. You will be immersed in the fast-paced, high-energy environment of a live television newsroom, providing critical support to producers, anchors, reporters, and directors. Your contributions will directly impact what our viewers see on-air and online, making this a role of significant responsibility and incredible learning opportunity. This role requires a proactive, tech-savvy, and detail-obsessed individual who thrives under pressure and is passionate about storytelling and the future of news.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Media or Journalism Internship
  • University TV/Radio Station Contributor
  • Recent Graduate (Journalism, Communications)
  • General Production Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Associate Producer
  • News Writer
  • Assignment Editor
  • Digital Content Producer
  • Field Photographer/Editor

Lateral Moves:

  • Master Control Operator
  • Social Media Coordinator
  • Graphics Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate the teleprompter during live newscasts and pre-recorded segments, ensuring accurate speed and timing for on-air talent.
  • Assist producers by printing, organizing, and distributing updated scripts to anchors, directors, and production crew before and during broadcasts.
  • Manage the assignment desk phones, professionally screening incoming calls, and effectively relaying breaking news tips and pertinent information to editors.
  • Diligently monitor police and fire scanners, social media feeds, and news wires to identify and flag potential breaking news stories for the news team.
  • Run studio floor cameras for live and pre-taped productions, executing smooth camera movements as instructed by the show director.
  • Create and update essential on-air graphics, including lower-thirds, full-screen elements, and over-the-shoulder visuals, using Chyron, Xpression, or similar systems.
  • Log incoming video feeds and transcribe interviews, meticulously preparing footage for use by video editors and reporters.
  • Write and publish compelling news content, including articles and video clips, to the station's website and social media platforms under producer supervision.
  • Greet, prepare, and mic up in-studio guests, ensuring they are comfortable and ready for their on-air appearances.
  • Collaborate closely with the assignment desk to coordinate with field crews and reporters, ensuring the timely delivery of video and other assets for the newscast.
  • Conduct pre-interviews with potential sources and story subjects to gather preliminary information and vet their suitability for on-air segments.
  • Assist in the setup and breakdown of studio sets, lighting, and audio equipment for various daily newscasts and special productions.

Secondary Functions

  • Pull and organize file footage and other visual elements from the station's archives to support storytelling for various news segments.
  • Perform basic non-linear video editing tasks, such as cutting soundbites (SOTs) and creating simple sequences for web and on-air use.
  • Support the digital team by capturing key moments from broadcasts to be repurposed as engaging social media content.
  • Serve as a production liaison between the newsroom, engineering, and creative services departments to troubleshoot minor technical and logistical issues.
  • Maintain the organization and readiness of the studio and production control room, ensuring all equipment is accounted for and functional.
  • Assist with various administrative tasks, including maintaining newsroom supplies, scheduling, and processing expense reports for field crews.
  • Contribute creative story ideas and unique angles during daily editorial meetings and morning news planning sessions.
  • Act as a runner, delivering scripts, media, and other necessary items between the newsroom, control room, and studio during live production.
  • Shadow producers, writers, and editors to develop a comprehensive understanding of the entire news production workflow.
  • Manage the intake and archiving of user-generated content (UGC), ensuring proper permissions are secured before use.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Newsroom Software: Proficiency with modern newsroom computer systems such as ENPS or iNews.
  • Non-Linear Editing: Basic knowledge of non-linear editing software like Adobe Premiere, Avid Media Composer, or Edius.
  • Studio Production: Familiarity with the operation of studio cameras, teleprompters, and basic audio equipment.
  • Digital Proficiency: Experience with content management systems (CMS) and a strong understanding of major social media platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram).
  • Graphics Systems: Basic understanding of broadcast graphics software (e.g., Chyron, Ross Xpression) is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Extreme Composure Under Pressure: Ability to multitask and maintain focus in a high-stakes, deadline-driven live broadcast environment.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Flawless accuracy in script handling, fact-checking, and technical operations is paramount.
  • Proactive Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interacting clearly with all members of the news team.
  • Unwavering News Judgment: A keen sense of what makes a compelling story and an understanding of journalistic ethics and standards.
  • Adaptability & Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and adapt to breaking news situations at a moment's notice.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A positive, team-player attitude with a strong desire to learn, contribute, and support colleagues.
  • Resourceful Problem-Solving: The ability to think on your feet and troubleshoot technical or logistical challenges quickly and effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • Broadcast Production
  • Media Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years. Relevant internships in a professional media setting are highly valued and can be considered in lieu of professional experience.

Preferred: Prior experience (including internships) within a television newsroom is strongly preferred. A passion for current events and a demonstrable understanding of the news production process are essential.

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